Grantley Stephenson (right), chairman and CEO of Kingston Wharves Limited, discusses work in progress on the Berth 8/9 Project with Mats Anderberg, project manager from PIHL.
KINGSTON WHARVES Ltd. (KWL), the multi-purpose cargo facility which is one of the two terminals that constitute Port Bustamante, has been collaborating with its neighbour, the Kingston Container Terminal (KCT), to help speed the throughput of vessels calling Kingston.
During the past two months, Kingston Wharves Limited has provided assistance to KCT by handling some of the smaller vessels that normally call at the terminal. The two companies have been having daily meetings to plan and coordinate the efficient operations of these vessels.
On March 23, KWL launched a J$2 billion (US$26.6 million) infrastructure development project. The project is scheduled for completion in 15 months and involves the rebuilding and expansion of Berths eight and nine. Construction for the project commenced on April 20 with the demolition of the existing structure. The dredging process is currently under way and piling will commence thereafter.
The completion of Berths eight and nine will enable Kingston Wharves to accommodate larger vessels. Currently KWL can accommodate vessels with a maximum draft of 10 metres. Under the redevelopment project, the depth of the new berth will be 15 metres, allowing some room for a substantial increase in vessel size.
Apart from an increase in berthing capacity and draught, other anticipated spin-offs include growth in the volume of containers handled.
Kingston Wharves foresees that this development project will provide significant growth for business in the Port of Kingston. Noticeably there is an impressive increase in the number of vessels calling at Kingston.
GREATER PRODUCTIVITY
In 2005 Kingston Wharves handled some 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, at an average efficiency rate of 24 container moves per hour. The company's state-of-the-art Gottwald Mobile Harbour Cranes, Terex Reach Stackers, used alongside the modern terminal management software technology, enabled this performance.
Kingston Wharves believes that its infrastructural developments, use of modern technology coupled with well-trained staff and high service standards will create the environment required for the company to play an integral role in positioning the company as the region's premier multi-purpose terminal.
